Predictions 101 — Week 11

West Virginia ruined our shot to sweep the entire dozen last week. Well, at least we had Louisville covering.

It’s just too bad that we didn’t have more success vs. “the number,” going just 6-6 in Week 10.

Naturally, we had the right call in the so-called Game of the Century and continued to deliver in the “two more you shouldn’t ignore” section, running our record down there to 16-3.

Once again, skip down to the bottom. That should be our motto.

After 120 games, we’re 69-47-2 (two games weren’t on the board), with a straight-up record of 91-29.

TOP 10 GAMES (Thurs., Nov. 10 thru Sat., Nov. 12)

1) No. 6 Oregon at No. 3 StanfordSat., Nov. 12 — 8 p.m. ET, ABC

The Ducks have done an admirable job of trying to reinvent the game of football. Obviously, what Chip Kelly has brought to Eugene is wildly successful. The vast majority of opponents can’t keep up with the pace of the super speedy quack attack.

However, as much as that is the a new reality in the Pac-12, so is the fact that the Ducks have been unsuccessful against a certain type of ball club.

Stanford (9-0, 7-0), playing at home on The Farm, fits that bill.

We’ve seen it before with Oregon (8-1, 6-0). Remember the Rose Bowl two years ago? Last year’s BCS Championship Game? This year’s opener? In those games against Ohio State, Auburn and LSU, the Ducks came up with a not-so-grand total of 63 points. Our math isn’t always so good, but that seems like an average of just 21 points against elite teams that play with a high level of physicality.

You might not consider the Cardinal to be worthy of inclusion in that club because of a lack of team speed, and you’d be right. But we’re not calling for a stonewalling of the Oregon spread-option, just that The Tree will stand tall in the end.

Although injuries have started to mount in Palo Alto, superstar quarterback Andrew Luck and that sledgehammer Stanford offense will limit the Ducks’ offensive opportunities and have yet to misfire in the red zone (52-of-52).

This prediction comes courtesy of Shane Hedani from the P101 satellite office in Maunawili, Hawai’i. “Coach Hedanz” also would like to go on record with his disagreement with the prediction above. Things are not always harmonious within the P101 consortium.

The Hokies roll into the ATL with their conference destiny in their own hands. Win out and a rematch with Clemson could be on the horizon.

Oddly enough, the Yellow Jackets recently got back on track by beating the only team to knock off Virginia Tech (8-1, 4-1), those same Clemson Tigers.

This matchup features the Hokie rushing defense (fifth in the country) against the Jacket run game (second in the

country). In Georgia Tech’s two losses, its ground game was held in check. Although Georgia Tech (7-2, 4-2) has an explosive passing attack, its success in that department depends on its ability to run the football.

Expect some Beamer Ball magic in the special teams to ignite this one and put the game away for the visitors.

Opening point spread: Virginia Tech by 1 1/2

The pick: Virginia Tech 29-17

Final: Virginia Tech 37-26

3) No. 19 Nebraska at No. 12 Penn StateSat., Nov. 12 — Noon ET, ESPN

No matter what unfolds in the days since posting this prediction, this contest will be unlike any of the previous 1,219 games in Penn State football history.

As difficult as it may be, we’ll try to focus on football here … the only certainty being that a game will be played.

If Nebraska (7-2, 3-2 in Big Ten) didn’t have problems of its own, it would run a larger risk of getting swept up in the controversies that have engulfed Penn State (8-1, 5-0). At the top of the Cornhusker to-do list is shoring up a defense that yielded 468 yards in a deflating 28-25 loss to Northwestern last week in Lincoln.

The Nittany Lions, who rank near the bottom of the Big Ten and 88th nationally in total offense, aren’t equipped to take full advantage of Nebraska’s defense if it remains in a giving mood. Penn State’s attack is heavily focused on in-form tailback Silas Redd, who has already gone over 1,000 yards.

Redd’s counterpart, Husker junior Rex Burkhead will be the key. If he is able to break into triple-digits on the road, which under normal circumstances would be highly unlikely, Happy Valley gets even sadder.

Opening point spread: Nebraska by 2

The pick: Nebraska 23-17

Final: Nebraska 17-14

4) TCU at No. 5 Boise StateSat., Nov. 12 — 3:30 p.m. ET, Versus

Already rivals due to their BCS-buster brotherhood and a pair of bowl clashes within the past three years, this de facto MWC Championship Game is the first — and likely only — conference matchup between these two ambitious programs.

It’ll also be the first time TCU (7-2, 4-0 in MWC) sets foot on the blue stuff in Boise, and we know how that usually ends up.

In addition, Boise State (8-0, 3-0) might not recognize this particular edition of the Horned Frog defense, which bares little resemblance to the rock-solid units it faced at the Poinsettia and Fiesta Bowls following the 2008 and 2009 seasons. TCU allowed a total of 90 points in its two losses this season to Baylor and SMU.

One can be certain that Bronco quarterback Kellen Moore, who didn’t toss a TD pass in either of the previous two meetings versus the Frogs, will enjoy one of his typical Xbox 360 afternoons.

Opening point spread: Boise State by 13

The pick: Boise State 42-24

Final: TCU 36-35

5) No. 24 Auburn at No. 14 GeorgiaSat., Nov. 12 — 3:30 p.m. ET, CBS

When we last saw these Tigers and Bulldogs on the field together, punches were being thrown after a game that included 10 personal foul penalties.

Georgia quarterback Aaron Murray, who was knocked out of last year’s game by a late hit that fueled the fire of this ancient rivalry, will have much more fun this time around. He ranks first in the SEC in passing efficiency and Auburn (6-3, 4-2) ranks next to last in the league in passing efficiency defense.

Georgia (7-2, 5-1) also will be bolstered by the return of freshman tailback Isaiah Crowell, who served a one-game suspension last week, sitting out the ridiculous 63-16 annihilation of New Mexico State.

The Dawgs claim they won’t be scoreboard watching, but if Florida beats South Carolina earlier in the afternoon, they can clinch the Eastern Division with a win over the defending BCS champs, who have been anything but Tigers on the road this season.

Opening point spread: Georgia by 13

The pick: Georgia 31-14

Final: Georgia 45-7

6) Tennessee at No. 8 ArkansasSat., Nov. 12 — 6 p.m. ET, ESPN2

Only two teams in the country have a worse rushing offense than the Volunteers. Averaging just 87 yards per game and 2.6 per carry is bad enough, but when you combine that with a true freshman quarterback making his first start on the road, you’ve got some serious problems.

Tennessee (4-5, 0-5 in SEC) doesn’t stand a chance of sticking with Arkansas (8-1, 4-1), which is averaging nearly 38 points per game.

Expect the hungry Hogs to come up with a focused and crisp effort, further motivated by the fact that a 44-28 victory over South Carolina somehow translated into a drop in the BCS standings.

The price here seems rather cheap.

Opening point spread: Arkansas by 13

The pick: Arkansas 38-16

Final: Arkansas 49-7

7) Wake Forest at No. 9 ClemsonSat., Nov. 12 — noon ET, ESPNU

The Tigers have had an extra week to stew about their ragged performance in the 31-17 loss at Georgia Tech. That’s not good news for the Demon Deacons, who are solidly headed in the wrong direction.

Unless you consider barely beating Duke, 24-23, something to brag about, Wake Forest (5-4, 4-2 in ACC) has been slip-sliding away ever since wrapping up a 35-30 victory over Florida State on Oct. 8.

Coming into the game against the Yellow Jackets, Clemson (8-1, 5-1) was averaging more than 40 points per game, but didn’t get anywhere near that. Starting tailback Andre Ellington not playing in that contest due to an ankle injury had a lot to do with that as it took a pair of freshmen to replace him and both lost fumbles.

Crimson Tide running back Trent Richardson wasn’t able to buck the odds and have a Heisman highlight night versus LSU last week. But the 89 rushing yards and 80 receiving yards that he did gain weren’t really expected either.

Imagine what kind of numbers he’s going to have against the Bulldogs, who rank eighth in the SEC in both rushing defense and total defense.

Alabama (8-1, 5-1 in SEC) won’t need any field goals to beat Mississippi State (5-4, 1-4), which has exhibited a lack of quality depth in recent weeks, particularly on offense.

The Bulldogs haven’t come within 20 points of the Tide in their last three meetings and have lost 20 consecutive games to top-10 foes.

Opening point spread: Alabama by 17

The pick: Alabama 34-10

Final: Alabama 24-7

9) No. 2 Oklahoma State at Texas TechSat., Nov. 12 — Noon ET, ABC

This prediction comes courtesy of Marc Doche (@MDoche) from the P101 satellite office in Burbank, Calif.

With each passing week, and especially now that they’ve elevated themselves into BCS Championship Game contention, the pressure mounts for Oklahoma State (9-0, 6-0 in Big 12).

Two road wins over a pair of teams at the bottom of the conference standings before the Bedlam showdown with Oklahoma for all the marbles. Easy, right?

“Not so fast, my friend,” as Coach Corso likes to say.

If the Red Raiders’ upset of then-No. 3 Oklahoma in Norman three weeks ago doesn’t make them a dangerous barking dog, maybe the Cowboys can be reminded of what happened in Lubbock on the first week in November in 2008 when the Red Raiders handed No. 1 Texas their first loss of the season.

Surprisingly, the Pokes’ wins in this series the past two years have been relatively low scoring, and we expect that trend to continue with the visitors playing a little more close to the vest to prevent costly mistakes and Texas Tech (5-4, 2-4) fired up to make amends for the embarrassments the past couple weeks.

This matchup used to be a shoe-in to be at the top of this list rather than the bottom, but you still can’t deny the awesome appeal of the annual renewal of this rivalry.

Lamar Miller, the first 1,000-yard rusher in Coral Gables since 2002, is the best back your neighbor hasn’t heard of, and Hurricane quarterback Jacory Harris is quietly in tip-top form. Together they give Miami (5-4, 3-3 in ACC) a fighting chance against Florida State (6-3, 4-2), which ranks first in the league and fourth in the nation in total defense.

Incredibly, the favorite has lost the last six meetings.

Sometimes we’ll buck a bizarre trend because it figures to end. But we can’t go all the way. We just won’t pass up the freebie points.

Opening point spread: Florida State by 9 1/2

The pick: Florida State 27-23

Final: Florida State 23-19

TWO MORE YOU SHOULDN’T IGNORE

Washington at No. 18 USCSat., Nov. 12 — 3:30 p.m. ET, FX

Is there a team in the country that cares more about numbers than the Trojans?

Witness last Friday’s 42-17 victory at Colorado, where USC (7-2, 4-2 in Pac-12) shamelessly sought and captured a six-touchdown night for quarterback Matt Barkley. We won’t even go into that whole final score mess that erupted after Troy’s 23-14 (or 17-14) win over Utah … oops, we just did.

Washington (6-3, 4-2) has an even worse pass defense than the Buffaloes, ranking dead last in the conference and 113th in the nation (allowing 283 yards through the air per game).

Those numbers seem to spell doom for the Dawgs, but let’s not forget that Steve Sarkisian has won both of his previous games against his previous employer.

Opening point spread: USC by 13

The pick: USC 34-27

Final: USC 40-17

Western Kentucky at No. 1 LSUSat., Nov. 12 — 7 p.m. ET, ESPNU

Normally we jump all over games like this, figuring that a drastic emotional drop-off will translate into something that will fall within the massive margin established by our friends in the desert. But this one is a bit tricky.

The freshly crowned “Game of the Century” champions are on top of world, after out-defensing Alabama, 9-6.

Western Kentucky (5-4, 5-1 in Sun Belt) prevailed in a scoring-challenged struggle of its own, edging Florida International, 10-9, on a walk-off field goal to run their winning streak to five games. All five of those victories have been in Sun Belt play, putting the Hilltoppers in position to capture the conference crown.

That’s pretty heady stuff for a program that has never played in a bowl game and won only two league games within the previous two seasons. So in a sense, WKU has bigger — yet smaller — fish to fry. What the Hilltoppers really need to do is get out of Death Valley alive (and with their paycheck) and get ready for North Texas and Troy.

Besides, what do you think is going to happen when a team ranked 101st in both scoring offense and total offense goes against the Tigers’ NFL-caliber defense, which can score as well?

John: We love you but 52 – 0? If that is true or anywhere near the reality, maybe it may stop the mouths (or fingers) of some bloggers at CFT who think because LSU only scored 9 points and Alabama only scored 6 that it is indicative that they don’t have any offenses. No credit is given to the defenses for the game score. Don’t get us wrong, we will take the 52 – 0 score and not complain…well that is exactly what we will do…take it. Okay LSU 45 – 0 over Western Kentucky.

It is not truly a prediction, but perhaps we have list our desires…Tech over Oklahoma State, Oregon over Stanford, Washington over USC…no prediction, just wishes. (the remainder we agree with you, well, actually on these we may agree with you also but we do wish those teams win) It is getting to that point in this season, where wishes often taint the predictions because we are LSU genetically and generationally.

sportsinhd says:Nov 9, 2011 12:48 PM

Why would an LSU fan want Stanford or OK State both to lose? Are you jonesing for that Boise State match-up spatriots? The idea of one loss Alabama playing LSU again for the national title will make America’s stomach turn.

Cardinal versus LSU would be a compelling national title game, as would OK State vs. LSU. Alabama can go play Boise in a BCS game and lose to a non-AQ school yet again on that stage.

southernpatriots says:Nov 9, 2011 1:07 PM

sportsinhd: Not hard to understand. We have friends whom we met at the Oregon game at Jerry’s World, first game of this season. They are wonderful long time fans and some here on CFT as well and for them we support Oregon against most any other teams.

The Texas Tech matter is a little more esoteric. We have always been a fan of Tubby. He is overmatched, out manned but rarely outcoached. He knows how to win (note Tech v. Texas this season). We like the underdog there because of our familiarity and favor with their coach (having met him several times when he was in the SEC) but would not predict those games just wish.

Not pressing for a rematch. However, would like the best two teams in the BCS NC game. Isn’t that what is supposed to be anyway? This will all work out and the BCS survive another year or two or it will not work out and make many people angry and maybe hasten the end of BCS. We would rather the latter but resign ourselves that it will all work out anyway and 1 will play 2 (whichever 2 the BCS decides) and we will still have BCS and no playoff system after it all said and done.

Either of the higher octane offenses would be a great contrast/comparison against the defenses of LSU and Alabama. Maybe LSU v. Stanford; Alabama v. Boise State; and Arkansas v. Oklahoma State? Just a thought.

independenttrucks says:Nov 9, 2011 2:13 PM

@ southernpats:

Off topic and not trying to attack you by any means but why do you always use “we” instead of “I” when referring to yourself in posts? Just curious.

independenttrucks: Thank you for your kind inquiry. Most long time bloggers here at CFT, along with JT and Ben, know the background, but as shortly as I can make it… we refers to my family and I.

I am part of an extended family of LSU alums (with a brother in law who was a renowed Georgia football player and Georgia alum). All were professionals (nurses, teachers, a doctor, businesmen and women), now retired.

Only a couple of us can type well enough to post here on CFT (we have been lobying JT for an edit function which he has put in a request with the NBC techs and they have it on their “list”).

We do most things together–tailgate at LSU games (football, basketball, and baseball), travel, etc., so in a nutshell “we” refers to my family and I.

Thank you again for your inquiry.

southernpatriots says:Nov 9, 2011 2:48 PM

independenttrucks: I just had drops put into my eyes so I cannot see well, so I had a friend who stopped by to help us with the Neighborhood Watch and works with us at the tailgating to type the above post for me/us. alligatorsnapper lives on the other side of the state from us but comes to visit and help us with the Neighborhood Watch each week when we do that. He also helps us with our smoking and preparing dishes for the tailgating we do.

Thank you again for your question.

oregonbear says:Nov 9, 2011 3:03 PM

John: You Did you somehow overlook that Oregon stomped Stanford 52-31 last year? Yes they were at Autzen but that’s hardly only 21 points against a top ranked team. Oh and what about the 27 points they put up against LSU this year? Even Alabama could only muster 6 points against them. Oregon 35-31.

independenttrucks says:Nov 9, 2011 3:18 PM

@ southernpats, alligatorsnapper:

You are quite welcome. It was just a different style of speech than I am accustomed to. Also, thank you for clearing up my confusion about why somebody else answered my question.

Congrats on your team’s win last week. I was rooting for them. It will be hard to root for the team of where I went to college for a long time, given everything that has come to light in the last five days, but if the two stories that bookend this one come to be true that will be a good starting point.

John, I’ve missed the ability to allow fans to “pick ‘em” like in previous years. What happened… did NBC cut their software budget? I enjoyed “matching wits” with you on a weekly basis. Also, that poll allowed us to view a lot more games than this year, e.g., Michigan – Illinois tomorrow (Go Blue!). Enjoy this column very much, and look forward to it weekly, but I do miss the ability to make my own picks and see what others have selected….

independenttrucks: Do you drive a 16 wheeler? I did that for about 10 years some years ago and sometimes I miss it. I especially miss the people I met along the road.

The dear lady here, part of this great family of southernpatriots wants me to relate to you this…we are working on establishing a Neighborhood Watch in a small town in south Louisiana. Not too long ago the town experienced two great horrors. A precious young boy about 7 years of age with cerebral palsey was found murdered and decapitated along the side of a road. About a week later a 12 year old boy went into the restroom at a Burger King, located about one block away from the murder and was viciously sodomized-raped by a 51 year old child molester-rapist. It made national news. The small town was in shock.

The southernpatriots family spearheaded a Neighborhood Watch program which was embraced by the mayor, police chief, and other town leaders. They telephoned me and I quicky joined the effort. The also telephoned other LSU fans and some came to help. It has been a huge amount of work, with many hundreds of hours by each of the volunteers so far, but we all feel it is very worth it to save this from happening to other children in the future.

We are nearing the end of phase of mapping out every house, municipal address, contact numbers, and giving out emergency contact stickers and decals. Once we have this phase done, the policemen of the town will erect our Neighborhood Watch signs on the telephone polls, stop signs, etc. Then we have a few more phases and then a community meeting with the mayor as the keynote speaker and reps from the National Neighborhood Watch and southernpatriots family will be preparing a huge seafood gumbo, jambalaya, etoufee, and many other dishes to feel everyone! (I can’t wait till that part..ha.)

When this horrible story broke about Penn State, the southernpatriots family all cried and just about fell out. They had been working with the families of the young boy who was murdered and decapitated and the other young boy who was sodomized-raped and this was just too much to absorb.

One of the men of the family had met JoePa on several occasions and everyone held him in such high esteem and honor. No one down here in South Louisiana can believe the horrors as we read the Grand Jury Report I downloaded on line and printed several copies. As soon as I read it I felt like I was not well, and wanted to burn it but was stopped by my wife, who told me people need to know.

I still feel sick inside as I am thinking about it all. Maybe because we are working with this situation in south Louisiana we are more sensitive to something similar, but this has devasted us all. All the New Orleans talk shows want to talk about is the that situation. That is sports talk and news talk–both. We have to sort addresses now.

southernpatriots and myself wish you all the best. Take care of yourself.

independenttrucks says:Nov 9, 2011 4:56 PM

@ alligatorsnapper, southernpats:

No, I never drove a truck. I am a mechanical design engineer. I used to be a tool and die maker until I returned to school at PSU in my early thirties to finish my degree. I had a great sense of accomplishment in that, until about 7 o’clock last Friday night. My username comes from being a skateboarder for over 25 years (even after turning 40) and independent trucks have an almost fanatical following in the skateboarding community.

That is a very horrible story you have relayed to me. As the father of a young child, I cannot imagine the pain and horror someone must go through after experiencing a tragedy like that. I feel that crimes against children are some of the sickest things imaginable and should be punished accordingly.

You guys are doing a great thing down there, and I wish you the utmost success. Best wishes in your endeavor, you are doing something to really be proud of!

southernpatriots says:Nov 9, 2011 6:00 PM

(This is alligatorsnapper. I am not good at this older computer so I am just using their access.).

Thank you for your kindness and for your encouragement. I thought before I joined this effort that I had some problems at work, personality conflicts, etc. and some days it was hot and I complained but oh my oh my, how working with these two families has changed my perspective. I know what is important more so now than ever before.

None of us are guaranteed a certain number of years, but we have to make the most of every day, hug and love our children, spend time with our children, not vegetate in front of the tv, which sad to say I used to do. Now I don’t have time for that stuff anymore.

Things such as the situation in south Louisiana or the situation in Happy Valley really do shock us to realize what is truly important, and it is not the latte or a sitcom or video game, but it is your family and especially the children.

Thank you again. Keep in touch via CFT. Southernpatriots will post about their latest experiences with LSU, tailgating, this Neighborhood Watch and such things and they want me to tell you that you will usually find them on LSU threads, Prediction threads, Rankings, BCS, Ratings, and SEC threads. And of course we all will keep up with Penn State as the Governor and Trustees try to clean house and bring some integrity back to that great university.

God bless you and your family! Stay strong. This situation will be handled and there will be joy restored to Happy Valley once again at some point in the future.

Cardinal versus LSU would be a compelling national title game, as would OK State vs. LSU. Alabama can go play Boise in a BCS game and lose to a non-AQ school yet again on that stage.

Do you even watch football???? I’m not an LSU fan but do you really think Stanford and Ok St can give LSU a better challenge then Alabama????? Stanford and Ok St defenses are WEAK and LSU will go up and down the field on them. They will hold both offenses in theck especially Stanfords as they only have Luck. The rest of the offensive players are average. It doesn’t matter. Stanford is going to lose to Oregon who is better on both sides of the ball and OK St is going to lose to Oklahoma. Bama beat Bama last week (I’m not a Bama fan either). A rematch would be a far better game then LSU-Stanford or OK St. LSU and Bama’s offenses aren’t bad. Thier defenses are far and away better then any other in the nation.

Fuzzebear… You must have never watched OSU play and you must not have watched LSU-Alabama. That game was HORRIBLE. No team that misses 4 field goals and scored no touchdowns in the “game of the century” should go to the national championship game. Bottom line. Ok state’s offense vs LSU’s defense would be a better matchup than 2 great defenses going up against non existent offenses…again. Guess OSU won’t earn respect until they go all the way…at least from SEC supremacists. And the prediction… Ok state by 7… Really?? Didn’t tech just lose to Iowa State 41-7 a couple of weeks ago?? Ok state by 28

florida727 says:Nov 10, 2011 6:08 PM

Wow. Didn’t think it could happen, but there was a typo on P101. John, thank me later for catching it. It’s supposed to read “Opening point spread: LSU by 141 1/2″. Whew! Glad I caught that before placing my wager.

southernpatriots says:Nov 10, 2011 7:21 PM

florida727: True friends encourage friends when they are down. We are still chuckling at your post. All available family has read it and we all get a kick out of it. Thank you. We were all feeling down and needed that. We think on 141 1/2 we will take the points!

This Penn State has really affected us and south Louisiana areas. We experienced our own horror to children recently. We have been working to establish a Neighborhood Watch in a small south Louisiana town to help prevent any further tragedies to children.

Earlier this afternoon our brother was called to the hospital where in the emergency room the doctors were treating a child who had been sodomized. This seems to be an epidemic against our children! We will be working with this young boy and his family to help bring healing and assistance to them.

After an initial email and then subsequent telephone calls, our brother was finally able to speak a few words to Pennsylvania Governor Tom Corbett. He assured our brother that he would make sure therapy and assistance was given to all victims of Coach Sadusky, the child predator, who is currently walking around and enjoying his life having been released on $10,000 bail.

We could rail and rail on the horror that this scandal has brought to so many young boys. It makes tats, Reggie Bush, UM, Ohio State, and any other NCAA university scandals look minor.

florida727 says:Nov 11, 2011 7:32 AM

Hi “southernpatriots”. When I started reading your post, I was to reply with something borderline clever like “I’ll take LSU, you can have the points”, but then I read the rest of your post.

It really is sad that something like this can happen in today’s society, let alone at a place like Penn State. You don’t have to be a supporter of theirs to realize they don’t deserve this. No one does. This could have happened at Florida or LSU or Alabama or at any other big-time program.

I can’t see their program surviving this to be honest. And it won’t be the NCAA that has any say in the matter. Can you even imagine the potential litigation against the university? The SCHOOL itself may not survive this. EVERY child exposed to Sandusky (who laughably still denies his actions despite an EYEWITNESS existing) has a claim now against the university AND any individual (think: Paterno, Spanier, et al) who had knowledge of Sandusky’s actions.

My wife worked at a school for several years. She told me that if they noticed what even APPEARED to be a case of child abuse, and they did not report it to authorities (police and/or Child Protective Services), THEY individually and the school collectively can be sued. Laws are different in every state of course, but in FL she was at risk if she observed something and did nothing.

God bless you guys, “southernpatriots”, for the efforts your family takes on behalf of kids in your area. If your neighborhood watch effort saves one kid from something like this, all your work is worth it. Keep up the fight.

southernpatriots says:Nov 11, 2011 8:13 AM

florida727: As always, thank you for your kindness.

You could be quite correct, sadly so, that this horror at Happy Valley may bring an end to their football program. For decades we greatly respected Joe Paterno and his program that never experienced the problems of other college athletic programs. Of course, we were always happy for LSU or any other SEC team to defeat Penn State, as we were of us defeating Notre Dame, USC, Ohio State, etc. But all that seems so small, so insignificant, now.

What we do for the “least of these” as Jesus said, we do unto Him. The most “least of these” are the children. They cannot even speak for themselves. We have to be their advocates.

My daughter is an inner city school teacher of at-risk children for several decades now. She is really called to this and really enjoys her work. The children love her and go out of their way to look her up years later to thank her. She has a similar situation as your wife had. Any hint, any sign, no matter how small, that appears to be child abuse MUST be reported. That immediately brings an investigation, first by a qualified person and then as the matter continues to be pursued, by investigators from local law enforcement and the Department of Family and Children’s Services.

We have another day of counseling and therapy for the family of the young boy today, so they become agents of healing for the child.

Have a great day, you and your wonderful family!

huskyhurler says:Nov 11, 2011 10:13 AM

John,

How did Stanford’s physicality work for them last year? After Oregon turned the ball over two times giving Stanford “easy points”, the Ducks ran off how many points? Was it 52 or something like that? While I agree it will be a tough, hard fought game, don’t ever under estimate the Ducks..They might not always win , but they fight hard to the very end..

southernpatriots says:Nov 11, 2011 10:54 AM

huskyhurler: We agree. As folks who saw the tenacity and hard fought game they played against us (LSU) in the first game of the season, why would they play differently against Stanford? If fact, if anything, we think they will play with even more motivation against Stanford because a win against Stanford at this time in the season, means so much more. Go Ducks!

artisan3m says:Nov 12, 2011 10:16 AM

I’m not buying Nebraska as an automatic against Penn State. PSU has nothing left but team honor and that can be a huge motivator. To say there have been distractions this week would be the understatement of the century. But once the game starts, those concerns are shelved as every player has something to prove ~ that they are better than the events that overshadow this game. The seniors surely have reason to make a statement. No team has ever been saddled with more adversity than the Nittany Lions face today. It couldn’t happen against a more dangerous opponent than Nebraska. This game will not be for “coach” or any other extraneous purpose. It will be for individual pride and honor by every player on the squad. And that may be enough.

southernpatriots says:Nov 12, 2011 10:35 AM

artisan3m: We agree that this game could result in a big upset by Penn State of Nebraska. In college football, emotions and motivation are great factors, sometimes the biggest factors of all. We are glad our alma mater, the LSU Tigers do not have to play the Nittany Lions today. We will enjoy our homecoming against Western Kentucky. We think Nebraska could be in for a long game.

We don’t think there is a need for a reminder, but please, All Penn State fans, please show the visitors from Nebraska your best courtesy and kindness. Go Lions!

southernpatriots says:Nov 12, 2011 5:24 PM

The Penn State fans were marvelous at the game. They had ambassadors welcoming all visitors wearing red (and any others they could have some way identified as Nebraska fans). This was gracious and warm. Wish all teams did this for all visitors. It would certainly change ways some fans act, we believe.

The converging of the players, all players for prayer and the prayer….whew. If all heard the prayer it was enough to get priorities right and get direction.

The Penn State defense was good, the offense seemed to be sputtering until the last few minutes. We felt they would come back to win from what appeared earlier to be not possible. If they had had a receiver who broke free, or just a break on any previous down they could have won. It was a really good try amidst a real emotional day.

Their big games are coming up. Important games v. Ohio State and Wisconsin. Big games.

Our best to Penn State alums, students, and fans. Keep up the good work of changing the focus to the positive help for the hurting, especially those who are victims of sexual abuse.

southernpatriots says:Nov 13, 2011 7:37 AM

To all, especially to our Oregon fans:

Chip Kelly and his staff really know how to beat Stanford and their Luck. That is proven by what they have done to the hapless Cardinals last season and this season. How could anyone have watched the game, as our entire extended family did, and not come the conclusion that Oregon is better and played better in all aspects of the game. To whose credit? Coach Kelly and his staff.

It is extremely nice for Philip Knight to give UO $300 million and be here to support them with new, and oftentimes rediculous unis, but that does not prepare them for Stanford. Coach Kelly and his staff prepares them for Stanford and prepares them to play 60 minutes. Oregon is entertaining because it was not just passing, or not just running, or not just offense…they performed well in every aspect of the game.

We now think we should receive about 1000 Sagarin points for defeating Oregon the first game of the season, and just put LSU up at the top of SOS rankings. Anything else is a sham.